Polyetherimide sulfone compositions, method of manufacture, and articles prepared therefrom

ABSTRACT

A thermoplastic composition is described herein including a first polyetherimide sulfone having a glass transition temperature of 250 to 290° C., and a second polyetherimide sulfone having a glass transition temperature of 230 to 249° C. The composition has an advantageous combination of optical properties including improved yellowness index, transmission, and haze. A method of manufacturing the thermoplastic composition and articles including the thermoplastic composition are also described. A method for improving the optical properties of a thermoplastic composition is also disclosed, where the method includes melt mixing the first and second polyetherimide sulfones, each having a glass transition temperature as defined herein. The method provides a composition having at least one of improved yellowness, haze, and transmission.

BACKGROUND

Various inorganic glasses have been conventionally used for optical lensapplications. However, the need for a lighter and thinner lens hasprompted the research and development of polymer-containing opticallenses. Polymer-containing optical components are lightweight, robust,have good formability, and can be produced on a large scale to meetincreasing consumer demands

Polymer-containing optical materials can find use as eyeglass lenses, aswell as microlenses (e.g., for optical information communication),coating materials for an optical device, or core materials for anoptical fiber. Manufacturing such products typically requires exposureto high temperatures; therefore a polymer having a high heat resistanceis necessary in order to withstand the processing steps. For example,polymer microlenses are required to retain their shape at temperaturesin excess of 240° C., since laser transmitter/transceiver modules areexposed to high temperatures during their placement on printed circuitboards by a solder re-flow process or a solder bath, especiallylead-free solder processes. For this reason, only polymers with highglass transition temperatures can be used. In addition, to satisfy therequirements of various optical applications, these polymers have to betransparent with high transmission, specifically in the range of 600 nmto 1600 nanometers (nm).

Several classes of high heat polymers are known in the art.Polyetherimides are known for high heat distortion temperatures and highglass transition temperatures that make their use as coatings, moldedarticles, composites, and the like very attractive where hightemperature resistance is desired. As such, these polymers have foundwide use in shaped articles, sheet materials, and coatings for use inchallenging physical environments such as aerospace applications,lighting applications, and automotive applications. Due to their highglass transition temperature and high melt viscosity, however,polyetherimides can be difficult to process into finished products.

Thermoplastic polyimides comprising sulfone linkages are also well knownto withstand high temperatures while maintaining high transparency. Theuse of polyetherimide sulfones has been limited, however, due to poormelt processability as well as the high cost stemming from the expensivemonomers required for their synthesis.

Despite the high heat polymers that are currently known, there remains acontinuing need in the art for a high heat polymer composition havinggood thermal properties in combination with good optical properties(e.g., high heat polymer compositions that are optically transparent) toovercome the above-described technical limitations. A high heat polymerhaving a good balance of properties, including improved opticalproperties, is desirable for use in optical applications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A thermoplastic composition comprises, based on the total weight of thethermoplastic composition, 10 to 90 wt. %, preferably 25 to 90 wt. %,more preferably 50 to 90 wt. % of a first polyetherimide sulfone havinga glass transition temperature of 250 to 290° C., preferably 260 to 270°C.; and 10 to 90 wt. %, preferably 10 to 75 wt. %, more preferably 10 to50 wt. % of a second polyetherimide sulfone having a glass transitiontemperature of 230 to 249° C., preferably 240 to 249° C.; wherein thecomposition has the following properties: a melt index of 0.7 to 2 gramsper minute, preferably 0.95 to 1.8 grams per minute, more preferably0.95 to 1.2 grams per minute, determined according to ASTM D1238 at 367°C. under a 6.7 kilogram load; a glass transition temperature of 231 to289° C., preferably 240 to 266° C., more preferably 245 to 262; ayellowness index of less than or equal to 200, preferably 140 to 200,more preferably 150 to 195, determined according to ASTM D1925; atransmission of greater than or equal to 4%, preferably 4.5 to 25%, morepreferably 6 to 20%, determined according to ASTM D1003; and a haze ofless than or equal to 12%, preferably 5 to 11% more preferably 6 to 10%,determined according to ASTM D1003.

A method of manufacturing the thermoplastic composition comprisesmelt-mixing the components; and extruding the components.

An article comprising the thermoplastic composition is also described.

A method for improving the optical properties of a thermoplasticcomposition comprises melt-mixing 10 to 90 wt. %, preferably 25 to 90wt. %, more preferably 50 to 90 wt. % of a first polyetherimide sulfonehaving a glass transition temperature of 250 to 290° C., preferably 260to 270° C.; and 10 to 90 wt. %, preferably 10 to 75 wt. %, morepreferably 10 to 50 wt. % of a second polyetherimide sulfone having aglass transition temperature of 230 to 249° C., preferably 240 to 249°C.; to provide a thermoplastic composition having a glass transitiontemperature of 231 to 289° C., preferably 240 to 266° C., morepreferably 245 to 262° C., and a melt index of 0.7 to 2 grams perminute, preferably 0.95 to 1.8 grams per minute, more preferably 0.95 to1.2 grams per minute determined according to ASTM D1238 at 367° C. undera 6.7 kilogram load; and one or more of the following opticalproperties: a yellowness index of less than or equal to 200, preferably140 to 200, more preferably 150 to 195, determined according to ASTMD1925; a transmission of greater than or equal to 4%, preferably 5 to25%, more preferably 6 to 20%, determined according to ASTM D1003; and ahaze of less than or equal to 12%, preferably 5 to 11% more preferably 6to 10%, determined according to ASTM D1003.

The above described and other features are exemplified by the followingDetailed Description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein is a thermoplastic composition comprising a firstpolyetherimide sulfone and a second polyetherimide sulfone, selectedsuch that the composition has an advantageous combination of thermalproperties and optical properties. The present inventors haveunexpectedly found that compositions including a recycled polyetherimidesulfone component can provide a composition having the desiredproperties when blended with certain virgin polyetherimide sulfones. Thecompositions can be particularly useful for the preparation of articlesrequiring enhanced optical properties (e.g., high near-infrared (NIR)transmission).

Thus one aspect of the present disclosure is a thermoplastic compositioncomprising a first polyetherimide sulfone and a second polyetherimidesulfone. The first and second polyetherimide sulfones each independentlycomprise more than 1, for example 10 to 1000, or 10 to 500, structuralunits of the formula

wherein each R is the same or different, and is a substituted orunsubstituted divalent organic group, such as a C₆₋₂₀ aromatichydrocarbon group or a halogenated derivative thereof, a straight orbranched chain C₂₋₂₀ alkylene group or a halogenated derivative thereof,a C₃₋₈ cycloalkylene group or halogenated derivative thereof, inparticular a divalent group of the formula

wherein Q¹ is —O—, —S—, —C(O)—, —SO₂—, —SO—, —C_(y)H_(2y)— wherein y isan integer from 1 to 5 or a halogenated derivative thereof (whichincludes perfluoroalkylene groups), or —(C₆H₁₀)_(z)— wherein z is aninteger from 1 to 4. At least 10 mole percent of the R groups comprise asulfone group, for example, at least 20% of the R groups comprise asulfone group, for example at least 50% of the R groups comprise asulfone group. In an embodiment, R is 4,4′-diphenylene sulfone.

The group T is —O— or a group of the formula —O—Z—O— wherein thedivalent bonds of the —O— or the —O—Z—O— group are in the 3,3′, 3,4′,4,3′, or the 4,4′ positions. The group Z in —O—Z—O— is also asubstituted or unsubstituted divalent organic group, and can be anaromatic C₆₋₂₄ monocyclic or polycyclic moiety optionally substitutedwith 1 to 6 C₁₋₈ alkyl groups, 1 to 8 halogen atoms, or a combinationthereof, provided that the valence of Z is not exceeded. Exemplarygroups Z include groups derived from a dihydroxy compound of the formula

wherein R^(a) and R^(b) can be the same or different and are a halogenatom or a monovalent C₁₋₆ alkyl group, for example; p and q are eachindependently integers of 0 to 4; c is 0 to 4; and X^(a) is a bridginggroup connecting the hydroxy-substituted aromatic groups, where thebridging group and the hydroxy substituent of each C₆ arylene group aredisposed ortho, meta, or para (specifically para) to each other on theC₆ arylene group. The bridging group X^(a) can be a single bond, —O—,—S—, —S(O)—, —SO₂—, —C(O)—, or a C₁₋₁₈ organic bridging group. The C₁₋₁₈organic bridging group can be cyclic or acyclic, aromatic ornon-aromatic, and can further comprise heteroatoms such as halogens,oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, silicon, or phosphorous. The C₁₋₁₈ organicgroup can be disposed such that the C₆ arylene groups connected theretoare each connected to a common alkylidene carbon or to different carbonsof the C₁₋₁₈ organic bridging group. A specific example of a group Z isa divalent group of the formula

wherein Q is —O—, —S—, —SO₂—, —SO—, or —C_(y)H_(2y)— wherein y is aninteger from 1 to 5 or a halogenated derivative thereof (including aperfluoroalkylene group). In a specific embodiment Z is a derived frombisphenol A, such that Q in the above formula is 2,2-isopropylidene.

The polyetherimide sulfones optionally comprise up to 10 mole percent(mole %), up to 5 mole %, or up to 2 mole % of units of the aboveformula wherein T is a tetravalent linker of the formula

In some embodiments no units are present wherein R is of these formulas.

In an embodiment, R is 4,4′-diphenylene sulfone, and T is —O—Z—O—wherein Z is a divalent group derived from the above described dihydroxycompound. In an embodiment, R is 4,4′-diphenylene sulfone and T is—O—Z—O— wherein Z is 4,4′-diphenylene isopropylidene.

The polyetherimide sulfone can be prepared by any of the methods wellknown to those skilled in the art, including the reaction of an aromaticbis(ether anhydride) of the formula

with an organic diamine of the formula

H₂N—R—NH₂

wherein T and R are defined as described above.

Illustrative examples of bis(anhydride)s include3,3-bis[4-(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)phenyl]propane dianhydride;4,4′-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenyl ether dianhydride;4,4′-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenyl sulfide dianhydride;4,4′-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)benzophenone dianhydride;4,4′-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenyl sulfone dianhydride;2,2-bis[4-(2,3-dicarboxyphenoxy)phenyl]propane dianhydride;4,4′-bis(2,3-dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenyl ether dianhydride;4,4′-bis(2,3-dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenyl sulfide dianhydride;4,4′-bis(2,3-dicarboxyphenoxy)benzophenone dianhydride;4,4′-bis(2,3-dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenyl sulfone dianhydride;4-(2,3-dicarboxyphenoxy)-4′-(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenyl-2,2-propanedianhydride; 4-(2,3-dicarboxyphenoxy)-4′-(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenylether dianhydride;4-(2,3-dicarboxyphenoxy)-4′-(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenyl sulfidedianhydride;4-(2,3-dicarboxyphenoxy)-4′-(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)benzophenonedianhydride; and,4-(2,3-dicarboxyphenoxy)-4′-(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenyl sulfonedianhydride, as well as various combinations thereof.

Examples of organic diamines include ethylenediamine, propylenediamine,trimethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, triethylene tetramine,hexamethylenediamine, heptamethylenediamine, octamethylenediamine,nonamethylenediamine, decamethylenediamine, 1,12-dodecanediamine,1,18-octadecanediamine, 3-methylheptamethylenediamine,4,4-dimethylheptamethylenediamine, 4-methylnonamethylenediamine,5-methylnonamethylenediamine, 2,5-dimethylhexamethylenediamine,2,5-dimethylheptamethylenediamine, 2,2-dimethylpropylenediamine,N-methyl-bis (3-aminopropyl) amine, 3-methoxyhexamethylenediamine,1,2-bis(3-aminopropoxy) ethane, bis(3-aminopropyl) sulfide,1,4-cyclohexanediamine, bis-(4-aminocyclohexyl) methane,m-phenylenediamine, p-phenylenediamine, 2,4-diaminotoluene,2,6-diaminotoluene, m-xylylenediamine, p-xylylenediamine,2-methyl-4,6-diethyl-1,3-phenylene-diamine,5-methyl-4,6-diethyl-1,3-phenylene-diamine, benzidine, 3,3′-dimethylbenzidine, 3,3′-dimethoxybenzidine, 1,5-diaminonaphthalene,bis(4-aminophenyl) methane, bis(2-chloro-4-amino-3,5-diethylphenyl)methane, bis(4-aminophenyl) propane, 2,4-bis(p-amino-t-butyl) toluene,bis(p-amino-t-butylphenyl) ether, bis(p-methyl-o-aminophenyl) benzene,bis(p-methyl-o-aminopentyl) benzene, 1,3-diamino-4-isopropylbenzene,bis(4-aminophenyl) sulfide, bis-(4-aminophenyl) sulfone, andbis(4-aminophenyl) ether. Combinations of these compounds can also beused. In some embodiments the organic diamine is m-phenylenediamine,p-phenylenediamine, sulfonyl dianiline, or a combination comprising oneor more of the foregoing.

In some embodiments, the polyetherimide sulfone can be prepared byreacting a salt of a dihydroxy-substituted aromatic hydrocarbon of theformula HO-A-OH in the presence of a catalyst with a substitutedaromatic bisimide compound of the formula

wherein A is a divalent aromatic group, preferably a substituted orunsubstituted divalent organic group, and can be an aromatic C₆₋₂₄monocyclic or polycyclic moiety optionally substituted with 1 to 6 C₁₋₈alkyl groups, 1 to 8 halogen atoms, or a combination thereof, providedthat the valence of Z is not exceeded. X is a halogen or nitro group,preferably a halogen, more preferably chloride. In some embodiments, Ais 4,4′-diphenylene isopropylidene, and the salt of thedihydroxy-substituted aromatic hydrocarbon is the salt of4,4′-dihydroxy-2,2-diphenylpropane (bisphenol A), for example thedisodium salt of bisphenol A. In some embodiments, the catalyst is aguanidinium salt.

The polyetherimide sulfone can have a melt index of 0.1 to 10 grams perminute (g/min), as measured by American Society for Testing Materials(ASTM) D1238 at 340 to 370° C., using a 6.7 kilogram (kg) weight. Insome embodiments, the polyetherimide sulfone has a weight averagemolecular weight (M_(w)) of 1,000 to 150,000 Daltons (Da), as measuredby gel permeation chromatography, using polystyrene standards. In someembodiments the polyetherimide has an M_(w) of 5,000 to 80,000 Da,specifically, 20,000 to 60,000 Da. Such polyetherimide polymers can havean intrinsic viscosity greater than 0.2 deciliters per gram (dl/g), or,more specifically, 0.35 to 0.7 dl/g as measured in m-cresol at 25° C.

The first polyetherimide sulfone has a glass transition temperature of250 to 290° C., preferably 260 to 270° C. The second polyetherimidesulfone has a glass transition temperature of 230 to 249° C., preferably240 to 249° C.

In some embodiments, the first polyetherimide sulfone is a recycledpolyetherimide sulfone. The term “recycled” as used herein refers to acomponent that has been manufactured and either used or otherwiseintended for scrap. For example, recycled polyetherimide sulfone caninclude post-consumer waste polyetherimide sulfone and scrappolyetherimide sulfone, for example polyetherimide sulfone trimmed frommolded articles, or articles that have been rejected due toimperfections. In some embodiments, the recycled polyetherimide sulfoneincludes molded article that have been used, for example sprues andrunners molded from polyetherimide sulfone and used in a manufacturingprocess. In some embodiments, the recycled polyetherimide sulfone can berecovered and used in reground form. In some embodiments, the recycledpolyetherimide sulfone can be recovered, reground, and furtherrepelletized. In some embodiments, the second polyetherimide sulfone ispreferably a virgin polyetherimide sulfone.

The first polyetherimide sulfone can be present in the thermoplasticcomposition in an amount of 10 to 90 weight percent (wt. %), preferably25 to 90 wt. %, more preferably 50 to 90 wt. %, based on the totalweight of the thermoplastic composition. The second polyetherimidesulfone can be present in the thermoplastic composition in an amount of10 to 90 wt. %, preferably 10 to 75 wt. %, more preferably 10 to 50 wt.%, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic composition.

In some embodiments, in addition to the first and second polyetherimidesulfones, the thermoplastic composition can optionally comprise one ormore additives selected to achieve a desired property, with the provisothat the one or more additives are also selected so as to notsignificantly adversely affect a desired property of the thermoplasticcomposition. The one or more additives can be mixed at a suitable timeduring the mixing of the components for forming the composition. Forexample, the thermoplastic composition can optionally further compriseone or more additives comprising a thermal stabilizer, a flameretardant, a hydrolysis stabilizer, an ultraviolet light stabilizer, anucleating agent, a metal deactivator, a colorant, an antioxidant, or acombination comprising at least one of the foregoing. In general, theadditives are used in the amounts generally known to be effective. Forexample, the total amount of the one or more additives can be 0.001 to10.0 wt. %, or 0.01 to 5 wt. %, each based on the total weight of thepolymers in the composition.

The thermoplastic composition can be prepared according to any methodthat is generally known. In some embodiments, the thermoplasticcomposition is prepared by melt-mixing or a combination of dry-blendingand melt-mixing. Melt-mixing can be performed in single or twin screwtype extruders or similar mixing devices which can apply a shear andheat to the components. Melt-mixing can be performed at temperaturesgreater than or equal to the melting temperatures of the polymercomponents and less than the degradation temperatures of either of thepolymer components. All of the ingredients can be added initially to theprocessing system. In some embodiments, the ingredients can be addedsequentially or through the use of one or more master batches. It can beadvantageous to apply a vacuum to the melt through one or more ventports in the extruder to remove volatile impurities in the composition.In some embodiments the composition is the product of melt-mixing thepolymers and, when present, any additives.

In an exemplary embodiment, compounding is performed using a ToshibaTEM-37BS twin screw extruder. The compositions can be injection moldedusing a 180 ton Demag injection molding machine following drying of thecompounded pellets.

The thermoplastic compositions can have a desirable combination ofproperties.

The thermoplastic composition can have a melt index of 0.7 to 2 gramsper minute, preferably 0.95 to 1.8 grams per minute, more preferably0.95 to 1.2 grams per minute, determined according to ASTM D1238 at 367°C. using a 6.7 kilogram load.

The thermoplastic composition can have a glass transition temperature(Tg) of 231 to 289° C., preferably 240 to 266° C., more preferably 245to 262° C.

The thermoplastic composition can have a yellowness index of less thanor equal to 200, preferably 140 to 200, more preferably 150 to 195,determined according to ASTM D1925.

The thermoplastic composition can have a transmission of greater than orequal to 4%, preferably 4.5 to 25%, more preferably 6 to 20%, determinedaccording to ASTM D1003.

The thermoplastic composition can have a haze of less than or equal to12%, preferably 5 to 11% more preferably 6 to 10%, determined accordingto ASTM D1003.

In some embodiments, the thermoplastic composition resists deformationwhen subjected to a lead-free solder reflow process at a temperature ofgreater than or equal to 250° C., or greater than or equal to 260° C.,preferably 250 to 350° C., or more preferably 260 to 350° C.

In some embodiments, the thermoplastic composition exhibits anear-infrared (NIR) transmission of greater than or equal to 95%,preferably greater than or equal to 96%, more preferably greater than orequal to 97% at 950 nanometers (nm). An exemplary method for determiningthe NIR transmission at 950 nm is described in the working examplesbelow.

In some embodiments, the thermoplastic composition exhibits anear-infrared (NIR) transmission of greater than or equal to 93%,preferably greater than or equal to 94%, more preferably greater than orequal to 95%, even more preferably greater than or equal to 96% at 850nanometers (nm). An exemplary method for determining the NIRtransmission at 850 nm is described in the working examples below.

In an embodiment, the thermoplastic composition comprises 10 to 90 wt. %of the first polyetherimide sulfone and 10 to 90 wt. % of the secondpolyetherimide sulfone. The composition has a melt index of 0.95 to 1.8grams per minute, as determined according to ASTM D1238 at 367° C. usinga 6.7 kilogram load; a glass transition temperature of 240 to 266° C.; ayellowness index of 140 to 200, determined according to ASTM D1925; atransmission of 4.5 to 25% determined according to ASTM D1003; and ahaze of 5 to 11%, as determined according to ASTM D1003.

In an embodiment, the thermoplastic composition comprises 25 to 90 wt. %of the first polyetherimide sulfone, and 10 to 75 wt. % of the secondpolyetherimide sulfone. The composition has a melt index of 0.95 to 1.2grams per minute, as determined according to ASTM D1238 at 367° C. usinga 6.7 kilogram load; a glass transition temperature of 245 to 262° C.; ayellowness index of 150 to 195, as determined according to ASTM D1925; atransmission of 6 to 20%, as determined according to ASTM D1003; and ahaze of 6 to 10% as determined according to ASTM D1003.

The thermoplastic compositions described herein can be particularlyuseful for the manufacture of various articles. For example, due to thegood balance of thermal and optical properties as described above, thecomposition can be useful in articles for high heat opticalapplications. For example, an article comprising the above-describedthermoplastic composition can be useful for an optical component, anoptical lens, a microlens, an optical filter, an optical fiber,optoelectronic packaging, precision optical components, and the like.

Another embodiment is a method for improving the optical properties of athermoplastic composition. The method comprises melt-mixing a firstpolyetherimide sulfone and a second polyetherimide sulfone. The firstpolyetherimide sulfone has a glass transition temperature of 250 to 290°C., preferably 260 to 270° C., and the second polyetherimide sulfone hasa glass transition temperature of 230 to 249° C., preferably 240 to 249°C. In some embodiments, the first polyetherimide sulfone is a recycledpolyetherimide sulfone. In some embodiments, the first polyetherimidesulfone is a recycled polyetherimide sulfone, and the secondpolyetherimide sulfone is a virgin polyetherimide sulfone. Melt-mixingthe above-described components provides a thermoplastic composition. Thethermoplastic composition includes the first polyetherimide sulfone inan amount of 10 to 90 wt. %, preferably 25 to 90 wt. %, more preferably50 to 90 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition. Thethermoplastic composition include the second polyetherimide sulfone inan amount of 10 to 90 wt. %, preferably 10 to 75 wt. %, more preferably10 to 50 wt. % based on the total weight of the composition.

The thermoplastic composition prepared by the above method exhibits aglass transition temperature of 231 to 289° C., preferably 240 to 266°C., more preferably 245 to 262° C., and a melt index of 0.7 to 2 gramsper minute, preferably 0.95 to 1.8 grams per minute, more preferably0.95 to 1.2 grams per minute determined according to ASTM D1238 at 367°C. using a 6.7 kilogram load. The thermoplastic compositionadvantageously exhibits one or more improved optical properties. Forexample, the thermoplastic composition can have a yellowness index ofless than or equal to 200, preferably 140 to 200, more preferably 150 to195, determined according to ASTM D1925. The thermoplastic compositioncan have a transmission of greater than or equal to 4%, preferably 5 to25%, more preferably 6 to 20%, determined according to ASTM D1003. Thethermoplastic composition can have a haze of less than or equal to 12%,preferably 5 to 11% more preferably 6 to 10%, determined according toASTM D1003.

In some embodiments, the improvement in the optical properties of thecomposition can be determined relative to the optical properties of thefirst polyetherimide sulfone. For example, in some embodiments, theyellowness index of the thermoplastic composition is at least 1.5%,preferably 3 to 50%, more preferably 9 to 35% less than the yellownessindex of the first polyetherimide sulfone, determined according to ASTMD1925. In some embodiments, the transmission of the thermoplasticcomposition is at least 6%, preferably 6 to 515%, more preferably 65 to340% greater than the transmission of the first polyetherimide sulfone,determined according to ASTM D1003. In some embodiments, the haze of thethermoplastic composition is at least 5%, preferably 5 to 35%, morepreferably 5 to 25% less than the haze of the first polyetherimide,determined according to ASTM D1003.

In a specific embodiment, the thermoplastic composition provided by theabove method has a melt index of 0.7 to 2 grams per minute, asdetermined according to ASTM D1238 at 367° C. using a 6.7 kilogram load;a glass transition temperature of 231 to 289° C.; a yellowness index ofless than or equal to 200, as determined according to ASTM D1925; atransmission of greater than or equal to 4%, as determined according toASTM D1003; and a haze of less than or equal to 12%, as determinedaccording to ASTM D1003.

In another specific embodiment, the thermoplastic composition providedby the above method has a melt index of 0.95 to 1.8 grams per minute, asdetermined according to ASTM D1238 at 367° C.; a glass transitiontemperature of 240 to 266° C.; a yellowness index of 140 to 200, asdetermined according to ASTM D1925; a transmission of 4.5 to 25%, asdetermined according to ASTM D1003; and a haze of 5 to 11%, asdetermined according to ASTM D1003.

In another specific embodiment, the thermoplastic composition providedby the above method has a melt index of 0.95 to 1.2 grams per minute, asdetermined according to ASTM D1238 at 367° C. using a 6.7 kilogram load;a glass transition temperature of 245 to 262° C.; a yellowness index of150 to 195, as determined according to ASTM D1925; a transmission of 6to 20%, as determined according to ASTM D1003; and a haze of 6 to 10%,as determined according to ASTM D1003.

Provided herein are thermoplastic compositions comprising a blend ofpolyetherimide sulfones, and having a desirable combination of thermalproperties and optical properties. The thermoplastic compositions havegood melt flow and glass transition temperatures of 231 to 289° C., andimproved yellowness index, transmission, and haze. The thermoplasticcompositions can advantageously incorporate a first polyetherimidesulfone that is a recycled polyetherimide sulfone. Thus, in addition toproviding a thermoplastic composition having a good balance ofproperties, the present disclosure further provides a cost-effectiveapproach to thermoplastic compositions including polyetherimide sulfonesdue to the use of a recycled component.

The thermoplastic compositions, methods, and articles are furtherillustrated by the following embodiments, which are non-limiting.

Embodiment 1: A thermoplastic composition comprising, based on the totalweight of the thermoplastic composition, 10 to 90 wt. %, preferably 25to 90 wt. %, more preferably 50 to 90 wt. % of a first polyetherimidesulfone having a glass transition temperature of 250 to 290° C.,preferably 260 to 270° C.; and 10 to 90 wt. %, preferably 10 to 75 wt.%, more preferably 10 to 50 wt. % of a second polyetherimide sulfonehaving a glass transition temperature of 230 to 249° C., preferably 240to 249° C.; wherein the composition has the following properties: a meltindex of 0.7 to 2 grams per minute, preferably 0.95 to 1.8 grams perminute, more preferably 0.95 to 1.2 grams per minute, determinedaccording to ASTM D1238 at 367° C. under a 6.7 kilogram load; a glasstransition temperature of 231 to 289° C., preferably 240 to 266° C.,more preferably 245 to 262; a yellowness index of less than or equal to200, preferably 140 to 200, more preferably 150 to 195, determinedaccording to ASTM D1925; a transmission of greater than or equal to 4%,preferably 4.5 to 25%, more preferably 6 to 20%, determined according toASTM D1003; and a haze of less than or equal to 12%, preferably 5 to 11%more preferably 6 to 10%, determined according to ASTM D1003.

Embodiment 2: The thermoplastic composition of embodiment 1, wherein thethermoplastic composition resists deformation when subjected to alead-free solder reflow process at a temperature of greater than orequal to 250° C., or greater than or equal to 260° C., preferably 250°C. to 350° , more preferably 260 to 350° C.

Embodiment 3: The thermoplastic composition of embodiments 1 or 2,wherein the thermoplastic composition has a near-infrared transmissionof greater than or equal to 95%, preferably greater than or equal to96%, more preferably greater than or equal to 97% at 950 nanometers,determined using a solution of the thermoplastic composition in N-methylpyrrolidone having a concentration of 86.8 to 87.2 milligrams permilliliter.

Embodiment 4: The thermoplastic composition of any one or more ofembodiments 1 to 3, wherein the first polyetherimide sulfone is arecycled polyetherimide sulfone.

Embodiment 5: The thermoplastic composition of any one or more ofembodiments 1 to 4, wherein the first and second polyetherimide sulfoneseach independently comprise units of the formula

wherein R is a C₂₋₂₀ hydrocarbon group, T is —O— or a group of theformula —O—Z—O— wherein the divalent bonds of the —O— or the —O—Z—O—group are in the 3,3′, 3,4′, 4,3′, or the 4,4′ positions, and Z is anaromatic C₆₋₂₄ monocyclic or polycyclic group optionally substitutedwith 1 to 6 C₁₋₈ alkyl groups, 1-8 halogen atoms, or a combinationcomprising at least one of the foregoing.

Embodiment 6: The thermoplastic composition of embodiment 5, wherein Ris a divalent group of the formula

wherein Q¹ is —O—, —S—, —C(O)—, —SO₂—, —SO—, —C_(y)H_(2y)—, and ahalogenated derivative thereof, wherein y is an integer from 1 to 5, or—(C₆H₁₀)_(z)— wherein z is an integer from 1 to 4; and wherein Z is agroup derived from a dihydroxy compound of the formula

wherein R^(a) and R^(b) are each independently a halogen atom or amonovalent C₁₋₆ alkyl group; p and q are each independently 0, 1, 2, 3,or 4; c is 0 to 4; and X^(a) is a single bond, —O—, —S—, —S(O)—, —SO₂—,—C(O)—, or a C₁₋₁₈ organic bridging group; wherein at least 10 molepercent of the R groups comprise a sulfone group.

Embodiment 7: The thermoplastic composition of embodiment 5 or 6,wherein R is 4,4′-diphenylene sulfone and Z is 4,4′-diphenyleneisopropylidene.

Embodiment 8: The thermoplastic composition of any one or more ofembodiments 1 to 7, further comprising one or more additives comprisinga thermal stabilizer, a flame retardant, a hydrolysis stabilizer, anultraviolet light stabilizer, a nucleating agent, a metal deactivator, acolorant, an antioxidant, or a combination comprising at least one ofthe foregoing.

Embodiment 9: The thermoplastic composition of any one or more ofembodiments 1 to 8, wherein the composition comprises, 10 to 90 wt. % ofthe first polyetherimide sulfone; and 10 to 90 wt. % of the secondpolyetherimide sulfone; wherein the composition has: a melt index of 0.7to 2 grams per minute, determined according to ASTM D1238 at 367° C.under a 6.7 kilogram load; a glass transition temperature of 231 to 289°C.; a yellowness index of less than or equal to 200, determinedaccording to ASTM D1925; a transmission of greater than or equal to 4%,determined according to ASTM D1003; and a haze of less than or equal to12%, determined according to ASTM D1003.

Embodiment 10: The thermoplastic composition of any one or more ofembodiments 1 to 9, wherein the composition comprises, 10 to 90 wt. % ofthe first polyetherimide sulfone; and 10 to 90 wt. % of the secondpolyetherimide sulfone; wherein the composition has, a melt index of0.95 to 1.8 grams per minute, determined according to ASTM D1238 at 367°C. under a 6.7 kilogram load; a glass transition temperature of 240 to266° C.; a yellowness index of 140 to 200, determined according to ASTMD1925; a transmission of 4.5 to 25%, determined according to ASTM D1003;and a haze of 5 to 11%, determined according to ASTM D1003.

Embodiment 11: The thermoplastic composition of any one or more ofembodiments 1 to 10, wherein the composition comprises 25 to 90 wt. % ofthe first polyetherimide sulfone; and 10 to 75 wt. % of the secondpolyetherimide sulfone; wherein the composition has, a melt index of0.95 to 1.2 grams per minute, determined according to ASTM D1238 at 367°C. under a 6.7 kilogram load; a glass transition temperature of 245 to262° C.; a yellowness index of 150 to 195, determined according to ASTMD1925; a transmission of 6 to 20%, determined according to ASTM D1003;and a haze of 6 to 10%, determined according to ASTM D1003.

Embodiment 12: A method of manufacturing the thermoplastic compositionof any one or more of embodiments 1 to 11, the method comprisingmelt-mixing the components; and extruding the components.

Embodiment 13: An article comprising the thermoplastic composition ofany one or more of claims 1 to 11.

Embodiment 14: The article of embodiment 13, wherein the article is anoptical component.

Embodiment 15: A method for improving the optical properties of athermoplastic composition, the method comprising melt-mixing 10 to 90wt. %, preferably 25 to 90 wt. %, more preferably 50 to 90 wt. % of afirst polyetherimide sulfone having a glass transition temperature of250 to 290° C., preferably 260 to 270° C.; and 10 to 90 wt. %,preferably 10 to 75 wt. %, more preferably 10 to 50 wt. % of a secondpolyetherimide sulfone having a glass transition temperature of 230 to249° C., preferably 240 to 249° C.; to provide a thermoplasticcomposition having a glass transition temperature of 231 to 289° C.,preferably 240 to 266° C., more preferably 245 to 262° C., and a meltindex of 0.7 to 2 grams per minute, preferably 0.95 to 1.8 grams perminute, more preferably 0.95 to 1.2 grams per minute determinedaccording to ASTM D1238 at 367° C. under a 6.7 kilogram load; and one ormore of the following optical properties: a yellowness index of lessthan or equal to 200, preferably 140 to 200, more preferably 150 to 195,determined according to ASTM D1925; a transmission of greater than orequal to 4%, preferably 5 to 25%, more preferably 6 to 20%, determinedaccording to ASTM D1003; and a haze of less than or equal to 12%,preferably 5 to 11% more preferably 6 to 10%, determined according toASTM D1003.

Embodiment 16: The method of embodiment 15, wherein the yellowness indexis at least 1.5%, preferably 3 to 50%, more preferably 9 to 35% lessthan the yellowness index of the first polyetherimide sulfone,determined according to ASTM D1925; the transmission is at least 6%,preferably 6 to 515%, more preferably 65 to 340% greater than thetransmission of the first polyetherimide sulfone, determined accordingto ASTM D1003; and the haze is at least 5%, preferably 5 to 35%, morepreferably 5 to 25% less than the haze of the first polyetherimide,determined according to ASTM D1003.

Embodiment 17: The method of embodiment 15 or 16, wherein the firstpolyetherimide sulfone is a recycled polyetherimide sulfone.

Embodiment 18: The method of any one or more of embodiments 15 to 17,wherein the thermoplastic composition has a melt index of 0.7 to 2 gramsper minute, determined according to ASTM D1238 at 367° C. under a 6.7kilogram load; a glass transition temperature of 231 to 289° C.; ayellowness index of less than or equal to 200, determined according toASTM D1925; a transmission of greater than or equal to 4%, determinedaccording to ASTM D1003; and a haze of less than or equal to 12%,determined according to ASTM D1003.

Embodiment 19: The method of any one or more of embodiments 15 to 18,wherein the thermoplastic composition has a melt index of 0.95 to 1.8grams per minute, determined according to ASTM D1238 at 367° C.; a glasstransition temperature of 240 to 266° C.; a yellowness index of 140 to200, determined according to ASTM D1925; a transmission of 4.5 to 25%,determined according to ASTM D1003; and a haze of 5 to 11%, determinedaccording to ASTM D1003.

Embodiment 20: The method of any one or more of embodiments 15 to 19,wherein the thermoplastic composition has a melt index of 0.95 to 1.2grams per minute, determined according to ASTM D1238 at 367° C. under a6.7 kilogram load; a glass transition temperature of 245 to 262° C.; ayellowness index of 150 to 195, determined according to ASTM D1925; atransmission of 6 to 20%, determined according to ASTM D1003; and a hazeof 6 to 10%, determined according to ASTM D1003.

Further information is provided by the following non-limiting examples.

EXAMPLES

Materials for the following examples are listed in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Abbreviation Chemical Description Source TPI-R1 Regroundpolyetherimide sulfone made from the reaction of 4,4′- SABICdiaminodiphenylsulfone with 3-chlorophthalimide, followed by reactionwith a disodium salt of bisphenol A, having a glass transitiontemperature of 267° C., available as EXTEM XH1015. TPI-R2 Reground andrepelletized polyetherimide sulfone made from the SABIC reaction of4,4′-diaminodiphenylsulfone with 3- chlorophthalimide, followed byreaction with a disodium salt of bisphenol A, having a glass transitiontemperature of 267° C., available as EXTEM XH1015. TPI-V Virginpolyetherimide sulfone made from the reaction of 4,4′- SABICdiaminodiphenylsulfone with 3-chlorophthalimide, followed by reactionwith a disodium salt of bisphenol A, having a glass transitiontemperature of 267° C., available as EXTEM XH1015. PEIS Virginpolyetherimide sulfone made from the reaction of SABIC bisphenol Adianhydride with 4,4′-diaminodiphenylsulfone, having a glass transitiontemperature of 247° C., available as ULTEM XH6050.

Reground high Tg thermoplastic polyimide sulfone (TPI-R1) was obtainedby grinding thermoplastic polyimide sprues and runners from manufactureof the polymer. The TPI-R1 was dried in an oven prior to use.

Reground, repelletized, high Tg thermoplastic polyimide sulfone (TPI-R2)was reground and then extruded at 345-360° C., and chopped into pelletsfollowing cooling in a water bath at 80-90° C. The TPI-R2 was dried inan oven prior to use.

The compositions of the following examples were prepared by compoundingon a Toshiba TEM-37BS twin screw extruder, and chopped into pelletsfollowing cooling in a water bath at 80-90° C. Prior to injectionmolding, the pellets were dried in an oven.

Articles suitable for physical testing were prepared by injectionmolding using a 180-ton Demag injection molding machine.

Physical testing of the compositions was conducted according to thestandards summarized in Table 2. Unless indicated otherwise, all testsare the tests in effect in the year 2010.

TABLE 2 Property Test Standard Specimen Type Units Melt Index (MI) ASTMD1238 Pellets; under a 6.7 kilogram load at 367° C. g/min HeatDistortion Temperature (HDT) ASTM D648 Bar - 127 × 12.7 × 3.2 mm ° C.Vicat Softening Temperature ASTM D1525 Bar - 64 × 12.7 × 3.2 mm ° C.Yellowness Index (YI) ASTM D1925 Disk - 100 mm diameter, 3.2 mmthickness — Transmission ASTM D1003 Disk - 100 mm diameter, 3.2 mmthickness % Haze ASTM D1003 Disk - 100 mm diameter, 3.2 mm thickness %

In addition, glass transition temperature was determined usingdifferential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Near infrared (NIR)transmission was determined by dissolving 2.175±0.05 grams of thecomposition in 25 milliliters of N-methyl pyrrolidone and measuring theNIR transmittance on the resultant solutions at 950 and 850 nanometers(nm). Yellowness index, transmission, and haze were each determinedusing a Minolta CM-3600d spectrophotometer meeting ASTM E-1164requirements.

For each blend described below, the blend components were melt mixed inthe amounts shown All components were melt-mixed, extruded, and testedas described above. Specific Examples are discussed below.

Comparative Examples 1-3 and Examples 1-5

Comparative Examples 1-5 are combinations comprising varying amounts ofthe TPI-R and the polyetherimide sulfone. Data for each composition isshown in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Component CE1 CE2 CE3 E1 E2 E3 E4 E5 TPI-R1 100 0 90 75 50 25 10TPI-R2 0 100 0 0 0 0 0 0 PEIS 0 0 100 10 25 50 75 90 Properties MI(g/min) 1.1 1.02 1.27 1.78 0.99 1.09 1.16 1.16 Tg (° C.) 261.7 263.8246.8 260.8 259.3 254.1 250 247.3 YI 203 210 123 200 190 176 157 143Transmission (%) 4.2 3.1 34.3 4.5 6.1 9.4 16 22.3 Haze (%) 10.1 15 3.910.9 9.5 8.1 7.6 6.7 Transmission 97 94.3 98.7 95.8 96.4 96.2 97.3 97.8at 950 nm (%) Transmission 95.1 92.1 97.8 93.3 94.5 95.2 95.9 96.5 at850 nm (%)

Comparative Example 1 (CE1) illustrates the various physical propertiesof recycled TPI that has been re-ground, but not repelletized (TPI-R1).The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the TPI-R1 was 261.7° C., andthe re-ground TPI-R1 exhibited a relatively high yellowness index (YI)of 203, and transmission and haze of 4.2% and 10.1% percent,respectively.

Comparative Example 2 (CE2) illustrates the various physical propertiesof recycled TPI that has been re-ground, and further has beenre-pelletized (TPI-R2). CE2 shows a similar Tg of 263.8°, a YI of 210,and transmission and haze of 3.1% and 15% percent, respectively. CE1 andCE2 therefore illustrate the challenges in using recycled TPI forapplications that require high heat, optically transparent materials.

Comparative Example 3 (CE3) is a low Tg polyetherimide sulfone (PEIS).The PEIS has a significantly decreased yellowness index of 123 comparedto the recycled TPI. PEIS further has an increased transmission of34.3%, and a decreased haze of 3.9%. Despite the desirable opticalproperties, CE3 exhibits a decreased Tg of 246.8° C., and thus may beunsuitable for some high heat applications.

Example 1, including TPI-R1 and only 10 weight percent of the PEISexhibited properties similar to those observed for TPI-R1 alone (CE1).In general, yellowness index, transmission, and haze were each improvedwith increasing amounts of PEIS. Glass transition temperature generallydecreased with increasing amounts of PEIS. Example 5, including TPR-1and 90 weight percent PEIS, exhibited a Tg of 247.3° C., a YI of 143, atransmission of 22.3%, and a haze of 6.7%.

Examples 2 and 3 exhibited a desirable balance of thermal and opticalproperties. Example 2 exhibited a Tg of 259.3° C., and Example 3exhibited a Tg of 254.1° C. Including 25 wt. % PEIS in Example 2decreased the YI to 190 (compared to 203 and 210 for ComparativeExamples 1 and 2). Further increasing the PEIS to 50 wt. % led to adecrease in YI to 176. The transmission of Examples 1 and 2 wasincreased by about 45% and 124%, respectively, relative to thetransmission of Comparative Example 1. The haze of Examples 1 and 2 wasdecreased by about 6% and 20%, respectively, relative to the haze ofComparative Example 1.

Each of the blends was also dissolved in N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP), andNIR measurements were taken on the resultant solutions. As shown inTable 3, increasing the amount of PEIS included in the blendedcomposition generally improved NIR transmission at 950 nm and 850 nm,with the blend of E5 approaching the transmission values obtained forCE3 (PEIS only) at 950 and 850 nm.

Examples 6-10

Additionally, blends prepared from virgin thermoplastic polyimideblended with a polyetherimide sulfone are also expected to have improvedoptical properties. The polyetherimide sulfone and the virginthermoplastic polyimide can be melt mixed in the amounts shown in thetable below. For each of the prophetic examples in Table 4, it isindicated whether or not the resulting blend would be expected to meetthe various “critical to quality” (CTQ) standards forinfrared-transparent lens applications. Each of the blends in Table 4 isgiven a rating of “pass” or “fail”, based on the estimated glasstransition temperature of the blend. The Tg can be estimated based onthe weight percent of each component and the Fox Equation, shown belowas Equation 1.

$\begin{matrix}{\frac{1}{Tg} = {\frac{x_{1}}{{Tg}_{1}} + \frac{1 - x_{1}}{{Tg}_{2}}}} & (1)\end{matrix}$

In the above Equation, Tg is the glass transition temperature of theblend, Tg,₁ and Tg,₂ are the glass transition temperatures of the firstand second components, respectively, and x₁ is the weight fraction ofthe first component. Blends that are expected to have a Tg of greaterthan or equal to 250° C., preferably greater than or equal to 255° C.,are given a “pass” rating.

Blends that are expected to achieve at least 95% transmission at 950 nm,preferably at least 96% transmission at 950 nm are given a rating of“pass” in the table below.

TABLE 4 Component CE4 E6 E7 E8 E9 E10 TPI-V 100 90 75 70 60 50 PEIS  010 25 30 40 50 Properties Transmission PASS PASS PASS PASS PASS PASS YIPASS PASS PASS PASS PASS PASS Tg PASS PASS PASS PASS FAIL FAIL HDT PASSPASS PASS PASS FAIL FAIL VICAT PASS PASS PASS PASS FAIL FAIL

As shown in Table 4, compositions including greater than or equal to 70wt. % of a virgin thermoplastic polyimide and up to 30 wt. % of apolyetherimide sulfone are expected to meet the critical standards setforth for high heat optically transparent materials.

In general, the compositions, methods, and articles may alternativelycomprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, any appropriatecomponents or steps herein disclosed. The compositions, methods, andarticles may additionally, or alternatively, be formulated so as to bedevoid, or substantially free, of any components, materials,ingredients, adjuvants or species used in the prior art compositions orthat are otherwise not necessary to the achievement of the functionand/or objectives of the present claims.

All ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and theendpoints are independently combinable with each other. “Or” means“and/or”. “Combination” is inclusive of blends, mixtures, alloys,reaction products, and the like. Furthermore, the terms “first,”“second,” and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, orimportance, but rather are used to denote one element from another. Theterms “a” and “an” and “the” herein do not denote a limitation ofquantity, and are to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted bycontext. Reference throughout the specification to “another embodiment”,“an embodiment”, and so forth, means that a particular element describedin connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodimentdescribed herein, and may or may not be present in other embodiments. Inaddition, it is to be understood that the described elements may becombined in any suitable manner in the various embodiments.

As used herein, the term “hydrocarbyl” includes groups containingcarbon, hydrogen, and optionally one or more heteroatoms (e.g., 1, 2, 3,or 4 atoms such as halogen, O, N, S, P, or Si). “Alkyl” means a branchedor straight chain, saturated, monovalent hydrocarbon group, e.g.,methyl, ethyl, i-propyl, and n-butyl. “Alkylene” means a straight orbranched chain, saturated, divalent hydrocarbon group (e.g., methylene(—CH₂—) or propylene (—(CH₂)₃—)). “Alkenyl” and “alkenylene” mean amonovalent or divalent, respectively, straight or branched chainhydrocarbon group having at least one carbon-carbon double bond (e.g.,ethenyl (—HC═CH₂) or propenylene (—HC(CH₃)═CH₂—). “Alkynyl” means astraight or branched chain, monovalent hydrocarbon group having at leastone carbon-carbon triple bond (e.g., ethynyl). “Alkoxy” means an alkylgroup linked via an oxygen (i.e., alkyl-O—), for example methoxy,ethoxy, and sec-butyloxy. “Cycloalkyl” and “cycloalkylene” mean amonovalent and divalent cyclic hydrocarbon group, respectively, of theformula —C₆H_(2n-x) and —C_(n)H_(2n-2x)— wherein x is the number ofcyclization. “Aryl” means a monovalent, monocyclic, or polycyclicaromatic group (e.g., phenyl or naphthyl). “Arylene” means a divalent,monocyclic, or polycyclic aromatic group (e.g., phenylene ornaphthylene). The prefix “halo” means a group or compound including onemore halogen (F, Cl, Br, or I) substituents, which can be the same ordifferent. The prefix “hetero” means a group or compound that includesat least one ring member that is a heteroatom (e.g., 1, 2, or 3heteroatoms, wherein each heteroatom is independently N, O, S, or P.

“Substituted” means that the compound or group is substituted with atleast one (e.g., 1, 2, 3, or 4) substituents instead of hydrogen, whereeach substituent is independently nitro (—NO₂), cyano (—CN), hydroxy(—OH), halogen, thiol (—SH), thiocyano (—SCN), C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl,C₂₋₆ alkynyl, C₁₋₆ haloalkyl, C₁₋₉ alkoxy, C₁₋₆ haloalkoxy, C₃₋₁₂cycloalkyl, C₅₋₁₈ cycloalkenyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₃ arylalkylene (e.g.,benzyl), C₇₋₁₂ alkylarylene (e.g., toluyl), C₄₋₁₂ heterocycloalkyl,C₃₋₁₂ heteroaryl, C₁₋₆ alkyl sulfonyl (—S(═O)₂-alkyl), C₆₋₁₂arylsulfonyl (—S(═O)₂-aryl), or tosyl (CH₃C₆H₄SO₂—), provided that thesubstituted atom's normal valence is not exceeded, and that thesubstitution does not significantly adversely affect the manufacture,stability, or desired property of the compound. When a compound issubstituted, the indicated number of carbon atoms is the total number ofcarbon atoms in the group, including those of the substituents. Allreferences are incorporated herein by reference.

While particular embodiments have been described, alternatives,modifications, variations, improvements, and substantial equivalentsthat are or may be presently unforeseen may arise to applicants orothers skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended claims as filed andas they may be amended are intended to embrace all such alternatives,modifications variations, improvements, and substantial equivalents.

1. A thermoplastic composition comprising, based on the total weight ofthe thermoplastic composition, 10 to 90 wt. % of a first polyetherimidesulfone having a glass transition temperature of 250 to 290° C.; and 10to 90 wt. % of a second polyetherimide sulfone having a glass transitiontemperature of 230 to 249° C.; wherein the composition has the followingproperties: a melt index of 0.7 to 2 grams per minute, determinedaccording to ASTM D1238 at 367° C. under a 6.7 kilogram load; a glasstransition temperature of 231 to 289° C.; a yellowness index of lessthan or equal to 200, determined according to ASTM D1925; a transmissionof greater than or equal to 4%, determined according to ASTM D1003; anda haze of less than or equal to 12%, determined according to ASTM D1003.2. The thermoplastic composition of claim 1, wherein the thermoplasticcomposition resists deformation when subjected to a lead-free solderreflow process at a temperature of greater than or equal to 250° C. 3.The thermoplastic composition of claim 1, wherein the thermoplasticcomposition has a near-infrared transmission of greater than or equal to95%, determined using a solution of the thermoplastic composition inN-methyl pyrrolidone having a concentration of 86.8 to 87.2 milligramsper milliliter.
 4. The thermoplastic composition of claim 1, wherein thefirst polyetherimide sulfone is a recycled polyetherimide sulfone. 5.The thermoplastic composition of claim 1, wherein the first and secondpolyetherimide sulfones each independently comprise units of the formula

wherein R is a C₂₋₂₀ hydrocarbon group, T is —O— or a group of theformula —O—Z—O— wherein the divalent bonds of the —O— or the —O—Z—O—group are in the 3,3′, 3,4′, 4,3′, or the 4,4′ positions, and Z is anaromatic C₆₋₂₄ monocyclic or polycyclic group optionally substitutedwith 1 to 6 C₁₋₈ alkyl groups, 1-8 halogen atoms, or a combinationcomprising at least one of the foregoing.
 6. The thermoplasticcomposition of claim 5, wherein R is a divalent group of the formula

wherein Q¹ is —O—, —S—, —C(O)—, —SO₂—, —SO—, —C_(y)H_(2y)—, and ahalogenated derivative thereof, wherein y is an integer from 1 to 5, or—(C₆H₁₀)_(z)— wherein z is an integer from 1 to 4; and wherein Z is agroup derived from a dihydroxy compound of the formula

wherein R^(a) and R^(b) are each independently a halogen atom or amonovalent C₁₋₆ alkyl group; p and q are each independently 0, 1, 2, 3,or 4; c is 0 to 4; and X^(a) is a single bond, —O—, —S—, —S(O)—, —SO₂—,—C(O)—, or a C₁₋₁₈ organic bridging group; wherein at least 10 molepercent of the R groups comprise a sulfone group.
 7. The thermoplasticcomposition of claim 5, wherein R is 4,4′-diphenylene sulfone and Z is4,4′-diphenylene isopropylidene.
 8. The thermoplastic composition ofclaim 1, further comprising one or more additives comprising a thermalstabilizer, a flame retardant, a hydrolysis stabilizer, an ultravioletlight stabilizer, a nucleating agent, a metal deactivator, a colorant,an antioxidant, or a combination comprising at least one of theforegoing.
 9. The thermoplastic composition of claim 1, wherein thecomposition comprises, 10 to 90 wt. % of the first polyetherimidesulfone; and 10 to 90 wt. % of the second polyetherimide sulfone;wherein the composition has, a melt index of 0.7 to 2 grams per minute,determined according to ASTM D1238 at 367° C. under a 6.7 kilogram load;a glass transition temperature of 231 to 289° C.; a yellowness index ofless than or equal to 200, determined according to ASTM D1925; atransmission of greater than or equal to 4%, determined according toASTM D1003; and a haze of less than or equal to 12%, determinedaccording to ASTM D1003.
 10. The thermoplastic composition of claim 1,wherein the composition comprises, 10 to 90 wt. % of the firstpolyetherimide sulfone; and 10 to 90 wt. % of the second polyetherimidesulfone; wherein the composition has, a melt index of 0.95 to 1.8 gramsper minute, determined according to ASTM D1238 at 367° C. under a 6.7kilogram load; a glass transition temperature of 240 to 266° C.; ayellowness index of 140 to 200, determined according to ASTM D1925; atransmission of 4.5 to 25%, determined according to ASTM D1003; and ahaze of 5 to 11%, determined according to ASTM D1003.
 11. Thethermoplastic composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises25 to 90 wt. % of the first polyetherimide sulfone; and 10 to 75 wt. %of the second polyetherimide sulfone; wherein the composition has, amelt index of 0.95 to 1.2 grams per minute, determined according to ASTMD1238 at 367° C. under a 6.7 kilogram load; a glass transitiontemperature of 245 to 262° C.; a yellowness index of 150 to 195,determined according to ASTM D1925; a transmission of 6 to 20%,determined according to ASTM D1003; and a haze of 6 to 10%, determinedaccording to ASTM D1003.
 12. A method of manufacturing the thermoplasticcomposition of claim 1, the method comprising melt-mixing thecomponents; and extruding the components.
 13. An article comprising thethermoplastic composition of claim
 1. 14. The article of claim 13,wherein the article is an optical component.
 15. A method for improvingthe optical properties of a thermoplastic composition, the methodcomprising melt-mixing 10 to 90 wt. % of a first polyetherimide sulfonehaving a glass transition temperature of 250 to 290° C.; and 10 to 90wt. % of a second polyetherimide sulfone having a glass transitiontemperature of 230 to 249° C.; to provide a thermoplastic compositionhaving: a glass transition temperature of 231 to 289° C., and a meltindex of 0.7 to 2 grams per minute determined according to ASTM D1238 at367° C. under a 6.7 kilogram load; and one or more of the followingoptical properties: a yellowness index of less than or equal to 200,determined according to ASTM D1925; a transmission of greater than orequal to 4%, determined according to ASTM D1003; and a haze of less thanor equal to 12%, determined according to ASTM D1003.
 16. The method ofclaim 15, wherein the yellowness index is at least 1.5% less than theyellowness index of the first polyetherimide sulfone, determinedaccording to ASTM D1925; the transmission is at least 6% greater thanthe transmission of the first polyetherimide sulfone, determinedaccording to ASTM D1003; and the haze is at least 5% less than the hazeof the first polyetherimide, determined according to ASTM D1003.
 17. Themethod of claim 15, wherein the first polyetherimide sulfone is arecycled polyetherimide sulfone.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein thethermoplastic composition has a melt index of 0.7 to 2 grams per minute,determined according to ASTM D1238 at 367° C. under a 6.7 kilogram load;a glass transition temperature of 231 to 289° C.; a yellowness index ofless than or equal to 200, determined according to ASTM D1925; atransmission of greater than or equal to 4%, determined according toASTM D1003; and a haze of less than or equal to 12%, determinedaccording to ASTM D1003.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein thethermoplastic composition has a melt index of 0.95 to 1.8 grams perminute, determined according to ASTM D1238 at 367° C.; a glasstransition temperature of 240 to 266° C.; a yellowness index of 140 to200, determined according to ASTM D1925; a transmission of 4.5 to 25%,determined according to ASTM D1003; and a haze of 5 to 11%, determinedaccording to ASTM D1003.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein thethermoplastic composition has a melt index of 0.95 to 1.2 grams perminute, determined according to ASTM—D1238 at 367° C. under a 6.7kilogram load; a glass transition temperature of 245 to 262° C.; ayellowness index of 150 to 195, determined according to ASTM D1925; atransmission of 6 to 20%, determined according to ASTM D1003; and a hazeof 6 to 10%, determined according to ASTM D1003.